Very Sad news, re: Mustangs' DHG

10 years ago

I just learned that Ray passed away last night...I know Cathy has many friends here and thought I should let you know. This post is one of many about Coach Seymour posted on Facebook by the baseball/softball community.

"It is with heavy hearts that we join the Tampa Mustang softball families in mourning the loss of their founder and director, Coach Ray Seymour, who passed away last night. Coach Seymour was not only the spirit and soul and visionary behind the Tampa Mustangs organization, he was also the head coach of Hillsborough Community College for 25 years, recording 683 wins during his tenure.

He leaves behind his wife, Cathy, his daughter, Sherrie, and two grandchildren. He also leaves behind the hundreds of fastpitch players whose lives are forever changed by having been a Mustang. For all who wore the jersey, for all who played with P.A.L., for all who knew and loved this phenomenal man, we lift you in our prayers today.

Coach Seymour was a major influence in growth of softball in the Tampa Bay Area; he found fertile ground bringing competitive tournaments, his fastpitch organization, and elite fastpitch softball to the West Coast of Florida. Since he founded the organization in 1981, his Tampa Mustangs have grown and flourished, gaining a national reputation for the organization. Over 350 Mustangs have gone on to play in college softball. Several are also on the NPF and USA National Team rosters.

Rest in Peace, Coach. You will be so dearly missed. Godspeed."

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mustangs81

10 years ago

After 5 weeks in the hospital you can imagine how eager he was to have real food. It was like it was meant to be that he came home for a day so I could feed him before he checked out. He was on a restricted diet but I thought too bad. So going forward this will be Ray's Repast:

BBQ Ribs
Bourbon Baked Beans
Roasted Vegetables

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Comments (58)

lindac92
10 years ago
Hugs to Cathy....
PRO
Lars/J. Robert Scott
10 years ago
Very sad news indeed, and I pray that Cathy will find strength during this time, but knowing she has many friends, I believe that she will be getting support. I was so hoping that Ray would get better.
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It would appear I am wrong for not joining the baying crowd in putting this lady into the stocks and throwing rotten tomatoes at her. I assume she did not come here for a judge and jury even if anyone here was half qualified for that role. It is clear she has already judged herself enough. Lets not lose sight of the important issue, and that is the children. It is in their best interests to know that both their parents love them no matter what else has gone on. Yes, even a 1 or 2 year old will one day wonder, ask and likely seek out his origins. Whose victory is it to have a child hating their mother or father? Alwaysinmyheart never cold-bloodedly walked out on her children. Read again what she said. Then began the battle for custody in the eyes of the courts he was the parent who could provide stability because he had our home where the kids grew up and he had the way to keep the kids out of daycare and in their school they had begun in. She never said she DID NOT contact them At first I called them all the time and sent letters in the mail to them I just did not call them as much On paper I agree that does not make sense, but I get the impression she is possibly with a very controlling man. Its easy to say what you would or would not have done but unless and until you live with someone like that, you cannot know the enormous emotional pressure/depression she was likely battling. We have not walked in her shoes. She worked and saved and fought with her new husband to get back to her children. Does that sound like a cold-hearted woman who doesnt love her kids? She found out the children were calling the new wife mom. Why should they be encouraged to do that when they already have a mom that loves them? Her ex husband claims she lost all rights when she left. What rubbish! Is that putting the kids first? Sounds like bitterness and revenge to me. This lady has made some grave mistakes. I think she knows that. Do you think that someone who didnt care would sit down and write to a forum for some help and guidance? Im not here to fall out with anyone, but blame and shame will not help those children. Dunmoain
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partst
10 years ago
Cathy, so sorry to see this my thoughts and prayers will be
with you.
writersblock (9b/10a)
10 years ago
Cathy, I'm so sorry to hear this.
bcskye
10 years ago
Cathy, I'm so very sorry for the loss of your husband. I know he was a very special person and will be greatly missed. My prayers go out for you, your daughter and the rest of your family. R.I.P., Ray, you were an excellent roll model for so many.
Nancy
10 years ago
I'm so very sorry to hear this news.
User
10 years ago
Maddielee, thank you for letting us know.

I've been reading the tributes to Ray on facebook and sitting here in tears. I always knew from what Cathy shared that he was an amazing man. He has touched so many and is loved by so many. Cathy, I'm truly sorry for your loss.
mustangs81
10 years ago
Yes, the House Guest has checked out.

Thank you MaddieLee for posting the tribute to this wonderful guy whom I chased in high school and college until he caught me!

I know there are a number of CF members who have met him and experienced his kindness and lack of ego considering his successes.
Jasdip
10 years ago
House Guest. I kept thinking it was His Greatness. :-) I honestly had no idea what HG stood for.

Hugs and healing thoughts going out to you Cathy.
User
10 years ago
Cathy, I'm so sorry. Had to smile at your first line. I think Ray would have too.
Compumom
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
Reading the tributes on Facebook underscored the tremendous positive impact that he made during his lifetime. Sending you and the family my love and support during this difficult time.
pkramer60
10 years ago
My friend, both Dad and I send you love and hugs. He was the best House Guest anyone could have wished for. You are a very lucky woman to have had him and to have your memories. Take comfort in your daughter and the grandkids.

Hugs,

Peppi
plllog
10 years ago
My condolences and wishes to you for strength and peace.
party_music50
10 years ago
My deepest sympathies to you and your family, Cathy.
User
10 years ago
Oh Cathy ! Clive and I send our most sincere condolences. We have such fond memories of our visit with you and Ray in your lovely home . Clive really enjoyed Ray's company as you and I did our "kitchen" thing. I am so thankful we had a chance to meet "coach"

Sharon
colleenoz
10 years ago
Sincere condolences to you, Cathy, on the loss of your beloved HG. I hope you and your family find comfort in each other and can share your happy memories of Ray.
User
10 years ago
Warm thoughts and prayers being sent your way, Cathy. So sad to read this news.
westsider40
10 years ago
From these tributes, we are learning that Ray was a really special guy. So very sorry for your loss. May your memories bring you comfort.
John Liu
10 years ago
I'm so sorry!

In the past year, four of my friends have lost their spouses. Now, five.
annie1992
10 years ago
Having met Raymond, I know what a dear, funny, kind gentleman he was.

I'm so sad for you and for your family, you know you are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Annie
Islay Corbel
10 years ago
I am so sorry to hear that he has gone. It's always too soon to lose someone you obviously love so much. I hope that your memories and your family bring you comfort.
pkramer60
10 years ago
Cathy, I did the same for Mom in her last days....eat and drink whatever she wanted, to hell with the diabetes. Her favorite was having cheesecake every day. I bought the jumbo one from Sam;s Club and we shared with the hospice staff.

I am so glad he came home to you and was with you.

Okay if I give you a call in the next day or so?

Peppi
KatieC
10 years ago
(((Cathy))). I'm very sorry to hear about Ray. All good thoughts to you and yours.

That's a fine meal. ..I'm glad you got to feed him.
gardengrlz
10 years ago
Oh Cathy, I'm so sorry to hear this sad news. Big hugs to you and your family. ((())))
CA Kate z9
10 years ago
My most sincere condolences on the loss of your best friend.
Rusty
10 years ago
Deepest sympathy to you and yours. May God give you peace and strength as you go forward.

Rusty
woodie
10 years ago
Cathy, I send you my very sincere sympathy, I am so sad for your loss. We've heard so many wonderful things about Ray over the years and I know how you will miss him.
Gooster
10 years ago
My deepest sympathy to you and your family in this difficult time.
sleevendog (5a NY 6aNYC NL CA)
10 years ago
I'm so sorry you have lost your best friend and companion. What a legacy of compassion he has left, affecting so many. It is infectious and lives on in those that had the pleasure of knowing him.
l pinkmountain
10 years ago
Thinking of you and Ray this week and many times before. So sorry and yet so happy you shared a bit of Ray with us over the years. So sad he died, but while he lived he was lucky!
fawnridge (Ricky)
10 years ago
Sorry for your loss. Time heals all wounds but memories last forever.
pkramer60
10 years ago
Here is a wonderful tribute to a wonderful man by the Tampa papers.http://www.tampabay.com/sports/colleges/ray-seymours-passion-for-softball-an-everlasting-legacy/2280069
laceyvail 6A, WV
10 years ago
So sorry for your loss, Cathy. My thoughts are with you and your family.
cloudy_christine
10 years ago
Peppi, thank you for posting that. Ray clearly inspired a lot of people. I wish I'd met him, but from so many years of hearing about him I feel almost as if I did. He had a wonderful wife in Cathy. A full life, well lived.
mustangs81
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
Peppi, Thank you for posting the article. Amazing that you found it but...it is the internet.

And thank you my dear CF Forum friends for your condolences.

Because the HG would come home from practice with his coaching shoes filled with clay from the ball field, I had to post a sign on the door. I have just changed it...
doucanoe
10 years ago
Adding my condolences to you and your family Cathy. I too feel like I knew him from all of the stories that have been shared on the CF over the decades. May he rest in peace.
Annie Deighnaugh
10 years ago
So sorry for your loss.
annie1992
10 years ago
Cathy, that's the perfect kind of meal, and I'm glad Ray got to have some good home cooking in his own home.

Annie
mitchdesj
10 years ago
my condolences in this sad time for you.
sally2_gw
10 years ago
This is such sad news. My heart goes out to you, Cathy. You have my condolences.

Sally
tami_ohio
10 years ago
I am so sorry to see this. Cathy, I am sending you my sympathy, hugs, and prayers.
sushipup1
10 years ago
I am adding my deepest condolences to this long list. Cathy, thank you for sharing the stories over the years. I came to feel that I knew Ray and you thru the forum. May he rest in peace, and may your sweet memories stay with you always/
foodonastump
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
Cathy - A while back you posted about one of his teams' wins, don't remember now if it was with the Mustangs or CC program. I googled the game and as tends to happen when one starts surfing, I found myself skimming several articles about Ray and his teams. I recall thinking at the time, "Now there's a person who's made an impact with his life." I'm sorry for your loss, which I know you share with many.
mustangs81
10 years ago
Foodonastump, It was our 16U Mustangs who won the Primer Girls Fastpitch (PGF) National Championship in California. Thanks for letting me boast...I mean share.
shambo
10 years ago
My sincerest sympathy on your loss.
rob333 (zone 7b)
10 years ago
Cathy, I had a feeling, and looked it up. Sure enough. I'm so sorry to hear this. My thoughts are with you. If you need me, I'm there for you.
lowspark
10 years ago
It's been a while since I've been on this site but I wanted to express my deepest condolences.

I'm so very sorry to hear this news Cathy. May Ray's memory be a blessing.
sheesh
10 years ago
I'm very sorry, Cathy. So very sorry.
Terri_PacNW
10 years ago
Awe, that's not news I wanted to read. I'm so sorry Cathy!

Very Sad news, re: Mustangs' DHG

Comments (58)

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